Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is a term used to describe two major illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These can occur on their own or more commonly, both together. It is a life-threatening infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Men B is the most common strain in the UK, but other strains include Men A, Men C, Men W and Men Y

Meningococcal strains (Men A, B, C, W & Y)

There are five main groups that commonly cause disease in the UK - Men A, Men B, Men C, Men W, Men Y.

Men B causes the majority of the disease in the UK.

How meningococcal disease is caused

Around 10% of the population carries meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats at any given time. This is usually healthy carriage and helps develop immunity

Occasionally the bacteria defeat the body’s defences and cause infection

The bacteria are passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and intimate kissing

The bacteria break through the lining at the back of the throat and pass into the bloodstream

They can travel in the bloodstream to infect the meninges, causing meningitis, or while in the bloodstream they can cause septicaemia

The facts about meningococcal disease

In the past decade there have been between 700 and 1,300 reported cases of meningococcal disease each year in the UK. This is still the most common cause of bacterial meningitis

Most people will make a good recovery, but it can rapidly result in death and leave people with severe after-effects

5 – 10% of cases will result in death

Of those who survive, 10-15% can be left with severe and disabling after-effects such as loss of hearing and sight, acquired brain injury and, where septicaemia has occurred, damage to major organs, loss or digits and limbs

Some survivors can also be left with less noticeable, but still significant, after-effects including memory loss, learning difficulties, anxiety and depression

How is it treated?

Meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia need urgent treatment with antibiotics and rapid admission to hospital. If treated promptly, meningitis and septicaemia are less likely to become life-threatening.

Can meningococcal disease be prevented?

What happens next?

Most cases of meningococcal disease happen alone, and the likelihood of a second related case is extremely rare, but occasionally they can happen.

Management of meningococcal disease in the community is the responsibility of a doctor who specialises in the public health management of infectious diseases

The public health team (doctors and nurses) will visit the patient and their family in hospital in order to identify close contacts; these include household family members and intimate kissing contacts

Close contacts may be given antibiotics in order to reduce the risk of further cases. The antibiotics will kill any meningococcal bacteria being carried in the back of the throat, reducing the risk of further transmission

Close contacts may also be offered vaccination if a vaccine preventable group has been identified

Each situation will be individually assessed and appropriate action taken. For example, if a second case occurs within four weeks in the same nursery school, all children and staff will be offered antibiotics (and vaccination if appropriate)

The public health team will liaise with local GPs, relevant schools/nurseries or places of work to ensure good communication between all those concerned

Been affected by meningococcal disease?

Don’t face meningitis alone. Call our Meningitis Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 to speak to our experienced staff. You can access our free support or ask us any questions. Whatever your experience, whenever it was, please get in touch. Our support is for life.